Britain has a history of producing great defenders like Bobby Moore and John Terry. Alan Hansen and Tony Adams also stand out among the top defenders. Other notable defenders include Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, and Stuart Pearce.
Britain has a rich history of producing great defenders. Not just the rugged, rough house types who like to strike fear into the opposition, but cultured and sophisticated defenders, like Bobby Moore , who guided England to their first, and only, World Cup triumph in 1966. The other British defenders here in these rankings have all had huge influences on the success their teams had over the years, lifting numerous Premier League titles and European Cups too.
With that in mind, here are the 11 greatest British defenders to have played the beautiful game. Legacy to their club and country. Honours won.
The ability to contribute and be counted upon by their team. Virgil van Dijk, Franz Beckenbauer, and Rio Ferdinand all feature..
. 11 Stuart Pearce Stuart Pearce was the ultimate warrior that fans respected and related to. Until he was 21, he was playing non-league football and working as an electrician.
He got a move to Coventry, then Nottingham Forest. Although still unsure of his future at the City Ground, he put an advert in the club programme for his services as an electrician. Pearce need not have worried.
Affectionately known by Forest fans as 'Psycho', Pearce had a hammer of a left foot and is thought of as one of football's hardmen . Sadly for him.